ICFF Review: The New Made In The USA

PSFK noticed a number of furniture companies at this years ICFF bucking the trend to move production to China and instead commit to producing their products in the USA. What makes the story even more interesting is many have gone beyond just setting up a factory and providing local jobs. The three we spoke with are all making use of sustainable materials in their products and working to be more socially responsible.

New York City based ducduc produces a range of furniture for kids and adults. The line has a clean and modern style mixed with bright colors and elements of interactivity. The company manufacturers all the furniture in a factory they renovated in Connecticut. Having the factory close by allows ducduc to offer customers the ability to customize any of the pieces it offers. They also feel it’s the only way they can truly control their manufacturing processes and impact on the environment eliminating the chance lead based paint could used. The factory has also has a big impact on the community. ducduc is committed to offering living wages and providing health care benefits for it’s workers.

Eazy Bean produces modern versions of the classic bean bag chair and a range of soft seating. The company debuted a new line of handcrafted sustainably forested hardwood tables and chairs at ICFF. All the products are made in the USA. Eazy Bean founder and designer Francoise Sejourne told PSFK that sustainable design practices have been a consideration of hers since she founded the company in 1993. Eazy Bean uses tech suede which is up to 100% post-consumer product and filling which contains no cfcs and can be recycled. From the beginning Francoise has also been committed to community involvement. She has partnered with Goodwill Industries, a non-profit organization. for fulfillment needs.

Finally Indianapolis, IN based Ecotots/Inmodern designs and manufactures a high-quality, full-line of environmentally friendly, real wood modern furniture for kids which assemble quickly and easily without any tools or hardware. The company uses wood from domestic renewable FSC certified forests. The company manufacturers the furniture in nearby Richmond IN which allows them to keep a close eye on quality. We spoke to vice president of design Jay Slifer who reinforced the company’s commitment to the environment and the community. Ecotots is a member of the 1% For The Planet organization. They donate 1% of sales to a network of over 1,500 environmental organizations worldwide.